Summer Reading for the Dedicated Declutterer, Part 2

As anyone who has ever moved after a few years in the same place knows, #decluttering often goes hand-in-hand with #downsizing. While its title has the unfortunate tendency to get people singing from the Frozen soundtrack, Peter Walsh’s Let It Go can help people going through a major downsizing resulting from a divorce, marriage, death in the family or move. The book can help readers sort out their feelings surrounding that #stuff, keep only the most meaningful #mementoes and divide up inherited possessions. After #downsizing, Let It Go encourages readers to focus on learning, experiences and helping others. #SummerReading

Summer Reading for the Dedicated Declutterer, Part 1

If you have time for a little summer reading and a desperate need to #declutter, there are plenty of books that can help. For example, Unstuffed by Ruth Soukup offers advice that empowers its readers to “take their lives back” from the stultifying effects of #clutter — not just in the home, but also in finances, relationships and mental outlook. Practical solutions encourage readers to cultivate new habits and make intentional choices about what they buy, keep and do on a day-to-day basis. Unstuffed offers #decluttering ideas for the mind, body and soul, giving readers “permission to NOT do it all and much-needed relief from the constant pressure to perform.” #SummerReading

Get Away From It All Without Going Far

With gasoline prices at near-record highs due to supply chain issues, a #summer #staycation can offer a way to “get away from it all” without a lot of undue expense or hassles. All you might need is a hammock and a pitcher of lemonade, Houzz suggests, to get started. Your staycation might include outdoor games, dining al fresco, running through  sprinkler or going to the beach, reading a good book, or taking a hike. The key is to relax and really connect with your friends, family and surroundings — just like you would if you dropped big bucks on a bucket-list trip.

Plan Your Dream Vacation From Home

Even if you can’t take your dream #vacation this #summer, you can use some #staycation time to plan it, says Maple & Mango. Take an hour or two to learn more about the places you might like to visit and the things you’ll want to do while there. To get any likely travel companions interested in your plan, dip your toes into the area’s culture by cooking a few dishes that are popular at your chosen destination and playing some native music. Better still? Combine your excursion planning and exotic menu with a summer cookout — with suitable beverages, games and/or crafts for all of the adults and children in attendance.

A Good Staycation Has Ground Rules

“A staycation is a simple, frugal way to enjoy time off with your family and live deeply right where you are,” says the Humbled Homemaker. To get started, set ground rules for your #staycation outlining how much cooking you’ll do, which chores you’ll keep up with, whether or not you’ll allow web browsing, and other aspects that may turn your time off into another day at the office. When the appointed date arrives, start acting like you’re on vacation by playing board games, filming a movie, camping out, picking fruit or whatever makes your down time more than ordinary.